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Bladder cancer specialist centres NSW

Bladder cancer is when abnormal cells in the bladder grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.[1] There are different types of bladder cancer:

Urothelial carcinoma, also known as transitional cell carcinoma, is the most common form of bladder cancer. It begins in the urothelial cells in the innermost layer of the bladder wall.

Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the thin, flat cells that line the bladder.

Adenocarcinoma is a rare form which starts in mucus-producing cells in the bladder.

Treatment options for these cancers include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments can be given alone or in combination.

Treatment for bladder cancer requires a team of health care professionals with suitable experience and supportive care following surgery.[1-3]

Australian and international studies suggest that focussing bladder cancer surgery to higher-volume centres contributes to improved patient outcomes.[4-8]

A specialist centre also requires access to a suitable multidisciplinary cancer care team to discuss diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for all patients.[3]

Actions for Health Professionals

Doctors should refer patients suspected of or diagnosed with bladder cancer to a specialist. This specialist should be a member of a multidisciplinary cancer care team and practice at one of the specialist centres listed below.

Even if surgery does not seem likely at the time of referral, involvement of a multidisciplinary cancer care team early in the cancer journey is recommended to ensure optimal assessment, care, and outcomes.

Evidence suggests that tobacco cessation following cancer diagnosis improves survival. It also reduces treatment-related complications.[9-11] Health professionals should discuss tobacco use with all patients and provide appropriate cessation support.

More information about bladder cancer, including specialists who are members of a multidisciplinary cancer care team and patient resources can be found on Canrefer.

Criteria for a specialist bladder cancer centre

Minimum suggested annual surgical caseload

The minimum suggested annual surgical caseload for a bladder cancer specialist centre is six total cystectomies per year. This recommendation is based on international studies and local clinician endorsement.[8]

Multidisciplinary cancer care team availability

The treatment of bladder cancers can be complex and the involvement of a multidisciplinary cancer care team benefits both health professionals and patients. It enhances communication and care co-ordination between the specialists involved in a patient’s care. International studies state that patients overseen by a multidisciplinary cancer care team experience better outcomes after cancer treatment.[12-14]

Sooriakumaran P, et al. The central urology multidisciplinary team–is it time to change the referral criteria? An audit of practice in a district general hospital in London. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2009. 91(8):700-2.